MAGA hardliners, with their campaign against the H-1B visa program, are now turning against the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, saying that it is “killing jobs for new American college grads”. Seen as a precursor to the H-1B visa, the OPT program has become the latest target in the “America First” movement. OPT allows foreign students on F-1 visas to work in the United States for up to 12 months after graduation, with STEM graduates eligible for an extension of up to 36 months.
Initially launched as a short-term work opportunity for skill development, the program has grown into a vital pathway for many students to transition into H-1B visas and permanent residency. Critics, however, claim that it undermines American workers.
“It was never meant as a permanent immigration pathway, but rather a short-term opportunity for skill development… Employers saw OPT workers as desperate, willing to do anything for H-1B sponsorship before their permit expired,” the US Tech Workers coalition said on Sunday. Going further, they called OPT “the largest guest worker program killing jobs for new American college grads”.
According to the Congressional Research Service, 23% of the 1.49 million F-1 and M-1 visa holders in 2023 were authorised to work under OPT, amounting to 344,686 participants.
The potential elimination of OPT would drastically alter the US’ appeal to international students.
The program’s roots date back to 1947 when it was introduced to provide practical training to foreign students. Over the years, successive administrations, both Republican and Democratic, extended the program, citing its contributions to the US economy, academia, and national security.
MAGA nativists, however, argue that the program has veered too far from its original intent and is undermining opportunities for US graduates.
